DISMAY has followed news that HSBC will close its branch in Ledbury High Street this summer.

For Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Annette Crowe, the decision is "short-sighted".

And Ledbury residents who bank at HSBC have already expressed their shock and concerns.

One customer told the Ledbury Reporter: "The branch is set to close on July 1. A notice in the window advises customers that they will then have to go online, use a banking app or to attend the nearest branch in Malvern.

"This is a busy bank and it's closure will come as a great shock and inconvenience to everyone who uses it."

Announcement of the closure has also led to discussion on social media sites, such as The Voice of Ledbury on Facebook.

One customer posted: "I've been on the phone to them today - they are not offering any kind of reduction in charges to business customers as they say everyone is in the same boat."

Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Annette Crowe said: "I'm really sad they are going. They are such lovely staff in that branch.

"Ledbury is still a viable town. I think it's very short-sighted of HSBC to close such a valuable asset."

A HSBC spokesman: "Unfortunately, with an increase in the use of online and telephone banking over the past few years use of our branch in Ledbury has fallen significantly, and we've had to take the difficult decision to close it on 1 July 2016. We will be working with customers who use the affected branches to help them understand their options, which include being able to use local post offices for their day-to-day banking, and using local ATMs."